Supper Puppies: The Bio Sensor Program

early neurological stimulation - By Staff Writer on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 14:20

In the 1970s the US Military did a study of puppies and dogs in an attempt to determine what exposures benefit a dogs development.  The end goal was to improve the performance of their military working dogs.  The study found that certain simulations during the period of rapid growth, the third and 16th day of life, would aid in the development of neurological functions and improve the dogs over all neurological, cardiovascular and endocrine system later in life. This program became known as the Bio Sensor Program (or Super Dog programing colloquial terms).

The premise of the study is that certain neurological stimulation would place the puppies system in a state of stress and encourage the body to develop stronger defenses.  The tests identified some of the advantages of early neurological stimulation as:

• Improved cardiovascular performance
• Stronger heart beats
• Stronger adrenal glands
• More tolerance to stress and
• Greater resistance to disease.

The study identified a series of five exercises that would place the puppy under stress and encourage their development.  They are as follows:

• Tactical stimulation (between toes)  - Holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation.
   
• Head held erect - Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation.
   
• Head pointed down - Holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation.
   
• Supine position - Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep struggle. Time of stimulation.
   
• Thermal stimulation - Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation.

Each test should be performed only once a day for a minimum of three seconds and a maximum of five.  Most puppies will resist the test and may attempt to wriggle out of the handlers grip. It is important to only do once a day for the said amount of time as over stimulation can have adverse results and harm a puppies system.  

Today the Bio Sensor Program is used by many breeders to encourage the development of puppies.  This set of tests should not replace daily interaction with puppies and each puppy should be handled by humans to adjust to the smell and touch of human companions.